<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Did you know that this Saturday April 27 is Independent Bookstore Day? We’ll be joining more than 1200 bookstores nationwide to celebrate with lots of fun activities and promotions including:</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- a free preloved book to the first 25 customers in the door on Saturday</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- triple punches on HBVH frequent shopper cards</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- a free Hudson Valley Book Trail or Local Vibes tote bag with $75 purchase or more</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- and a treasure hunt for kids!</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And of course we’ll have our weekly Read Aloud for kids at 11:30. Come and join us on Saturday for fun and games and giveaways!</span></p><h4>Hudson Valley Books for Humanity</h4><p>67 Central Avenue</p><p>Ossining, NY 10562</p><p><a href="mailto:amy@hvbooksforhumanity.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: initial; color: var(--paragraphLinkColor);">amy@hvbooksforhumanity.com</a></p><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: initial; color: var(--paragraphLinkColor);">(914)847-0773</a>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">The Putnam County Sheriff's Office would like to remind all drivers that the warning period for Bus Patrol violations will end on April 28. After that time, drivers who pass a stopped school bus with the red lights flashing will receive a violation notice in the mail. The fine for the first offense is $250 and increase for subsequent violations. The Brewster, Carmel and Mahopac school districts are participating in this program and already have most of their buses outfitted with the camera systems. Over 300 warning notices were issued since the program began on April 1. Sheriff Kevin McConville says that “the safety of our children is of the utmost importance, and drivers are reminded that they should begin to slow down as they approach a school bus with the yellow lights flashing in anticipation of the bus stopping and children either entering or exiting the bus.”</strong></p>

<p>New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the newly enacted FY2024-2025 State Budget includes $4,084,738 in Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) funding for Senate District 40 (SD40), an increase of $362,836—9.75%—from last year’s budget. Outstanding in the AIM funding is $2,477,102 for the City of Peekskill, a $257,718 increase—11.61%—from the prior budget.</p><p>&nbsp;“This increase in enacted AIM funding is a win for our local governments,” said Harckham. “It gives municipalities more spending power at a time when rising costs have been impacting programs, services and various initiatives. I think this record-high funding is a meaningful benchmark that will benefit our residents in many ways and ease some of the burden from our taxpayers.”</p><p>&nbsp;“The City of Peekskill is extremely grateful for the generous AIM support afforded to us by our partners in state government,” said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “As we move forward with a spectrum of civic improvements, having this source of unrestricted funding available will give us some flexibility in spending on important projects without having to raise taxes to do so.”</p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">The FY2024-2025 state budget agreement includes $758.1 million for the AIM program statewide, a $43.4 million increase. The main source of unrestricted state aid for local governments, AIM funding has been frozen at about $715 million since the FY2011-2012 budget, and this year’s increase is the first since then.</span></p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">In SD 40, the 13 towns and six villages all received 6.99% or 7% increases in their enacted AIM funding. Among recipients are the Town of Cortlandt, which is getting $202,702 in AIM, and the Town of Yorktown, which is getting $189,144.&nbsp;The Village of Ossining will be getting $216,573.</span></p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) program was instituted first in the FY2006-2007 State Budget, replacing a number of revenue sharing programs, each of which had targeted municipalities that often overlapped. Funded at $849 million (an increase of nearly $56 million, or 7 percent, from pre-AIM revenue sharing in the FY2005-2006 State Budget, AIM combined six revenue sharing programs into one program, representing the largest appropriation of unrestricted aid to local governments in a decade. The funding dropped to the $715 million level during the Great Recession.</p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: black;">Town of Cortlandt Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said, “On behalf of the Town of Cortlandt, I would like to thank Senator Peter Harckham for his ongoing support of the Town of Cortlandt. Once again, he has been instrumental in securing additional financial resources for the Town via the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIMs) funding program.&nbsp;This ongoing support will assist us in our efforts to provide vital services to residents.”</span></p><p>&nbsp;[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham discussing the newly enacted FY2024-2025 State Budget with Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]</p><p>&nbsp;<em>Pete&nbsp;Harckham&nbsp;represents the 40th Senate District,&nbsp;which includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Somers and Yorktown, the town/village of Mount Kisco, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining in Westchester County. He is chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.</em></p><p>O</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As $4.2 billion is being provided through the Environmental Bond Act, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure the Hudson Valley region receives the proper investment to protect its natural resources.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Lakes all around the 94th Assembly District including Lake Carmel, Palmer Lake and Tonetta Lake have been plagued by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in recent years, and although there were efforts made in 2018 to combat them, there has been no additional funding since. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency’s new limits on PFAS chemicals will have an immediate impact on local drinking water systems. Addressing these environmental issues not only protects public health but also prevents potential liabilities and costly remediation efforts for property owners.&nbsp;</span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“It is time for New York state to make important investments in the Hudson Valley that address the needs of its natural resources and ease the crushing burden on property owners. I strongly urge the governor to not let the Environmental Bond Act be another missed opportunity,” said Slater.</span></p><p>“The Environmental Bond Act must prioritize the protection and investment in our natural resources, especially in the Hudson Valley region. Lakes like Carmel, Palmer and Tonetta have suffered from Harmful Algal Blooms and face threats from PFAS chemicals. It’s imperative that New York state seizes this opportunity to address these environmental challenges and alleviate the burdens on property owners. These issues have been ignored by Albany for too long,”&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">said&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Michael Cazzari, Town of Carmel supervisor.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“As the town supervisor of Putnam Valley, I have seen firsthand the damage of Harmful Algal Blooms and its effect on our lakes. Lakes like Lake Peekskill in Putnam Valley have been burdened in many ways due to the damaging impact of HABs making this once vibrant recreational lake unusable for the past three summers. The effects of HABs extend far beyond the aesthetic and recreational aspects of Lake Peekskill. Additionally, the contamination of Lake Peekskill poses a significant threat to Peekskill Hollow Brook, which feeds into the drinking water supply of the City of Peekskill. State funding is desperately needed. Assemblyman Slater’s request highlights the urgent need for funding to mitigate and prevent HABs in Lake Peekskill and similar bodies of water across our state. Putnam Valley supports and encourages Assemblyman Slater’s request to the governor to ensure lakes within the 94th&nbsp;Assembly District are adequately funded through the Environmental Bond Act,” said&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jacqueline Annabi.</span></p><p> “I would like to thank Assemblyman Slater for his continued understanding and support of the issues affecting my community. Putnam Lake lies in the headwaters of the East Branch Reservoir of the New York City Water Supply. In 2023, Putnam Lake experienced its worst year ever with Harmful Algal Blooms. These blooms affect no<span style="background-color: transparent;">t only Putnam Lake but downstream waters as well. Without the state’s aid and financial support to address these long-standing Harmful Algal Blooms, Putnam Lake will be forced to continue reliance on chemical solutions, which are hit and miss at best,” said Richard Williams,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;Town of Patterson supervisor.</span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“The Hudson Valley region has been hit hard by storms in the last year or two. There needs to be an action plan that helps with the resiliency of our infrastructure as well as the repair of what was damaged during the storms. As one of the highest tax areas in the state, there needs to be a reconciliation that diverts some of these resources back into our community for these important projects,” said Ed Lachterman, Town of Yorktown deputy supervisor.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">&nbsp;Assemblyman Matt Slater represents the 94th Assembly District, which includes parts of Putnam&nbsp;and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel,&nbsp;Southeast, Somers and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster.</em></p>

<p>Sip &amp; Stroll Kentucky Derby Style </p><p>Sponsored by New Fairfield Parks &amp; Recreation </p><p>Saturday, May 4th </p><p>4pm-8pm</p><p><br></p><p>Dust off your derby hats from your closet and Sip &amp; Stroll along the sidewalks in New Fairfield. </p><p>Be sure to wear derby best (bold, bright, and floral). </p><p><br></p><p>$30.pp (age 21&amp; up) includes a specialty glass &amp; map of participating businesses. </p><p><br></p><p>Specialty derby glasses will be distributed to the first 200 paid and registered participants </p><p>Registration open: use the QR code to register or call 203-312-5633</p><p><br></p><p>With your paid glass, visit the businesses listed on your map for a sample of their complimentary offerings. </p><p><br></p><p>Glasses are limited for this event and may sell out! </p><p>Walk-in on May 4th glasses are: $35.pp </p><p>Pick up your glass &amp; map at New Fairfield Town Hall, 4 Brush Hill Rd. between 4 &amp; 6 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><u>Lincoln Depot Museum 10th&nbsp;Anniversary / 2024 Season Opening:</u>&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;April 27-28, 2024 Opening Weekend</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Presentations by Local/State Officials &amp; Dignitaries on April 27th&nbsp;at 11:00 am on 4/27 (1:00 pm on 4/28)</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Museum Open until 4:00 pm - Many New Artifacts on Display</span></p><p><strong><u>Lincoln Kids and Families:&nbsp;New Series with programs for families with children age 8 and up.</u></strong></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Sybil Ludington: Local Hero of the American Revolution</em></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly coinciding with the 247th&nbsp;anniversary of Sybil’s famous ride, local historian and author Vincent Dacquino will tell the tale!</p><p>&nbsp;Learn the story of 16-year old local patriot Sybil Ludington and her now-famous ride to alert the militia to the approach of British Troops.</p><p>Come hear the story of the girl, the ride, and the legend it created!</p><p><strong>Copies of Mr. Dacquino’s books will be on hand for purchase (and autographing) after the presentation.</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;<strong>First Saturdays at the museum:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;May 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31 – June 1,2024</em></p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(11, 0, 0);">Surprisingly little has been written about the key Battle of Fair Oaks</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(11, 0, 0);">The bloody two-day affair, fought on the doorstep of the Confederate capital, was the first major battle in the Eastern Theater since Bull Run.</span></p><p> At the head of the Confederate army was Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, and as fate intervened late in the day on May 31st,</p><p> one of the men who would lay gravely wounded was General Johnston.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His replacement would be Gen. Robert E. Lee – a decision that changed the course of the entire war.</p><p>&nbsp;<em>Museum doors will open at 1:00 pm</em></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>First Saturdays at the Museum</em>&nbsp;and Lincoln Kids &amp; Families are brought to you by the&nbsp;<em>Friends of the Lincoln Depot Museum</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at </em></strong><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">10 S Water Street in Peekskill, NY,</span></p>